Wood Ear

Auricularia americana

Also called: Wood Ear, Cloud Ear, Jelly Ear, Black Fungus, Mu Er

Wood Ear (Auricularia americana)
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Overview

Gelatinous ear-shaped saprotroph on dead conifer (West) and hardwood (East). Same genus used in Asian cuisine; reconstitutes well dried.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Oct–Nov

Season

Sep–Dec — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Host trees & substrate

  • Dead conifer (Doug-fir, spruce)

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Wood Ear on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.